NE Boys' Preview: Can Maine's Laverdiere Win The New England Boys Title On Home Turf?

NE Boys' Preview: Can Maine's Laverdiere Win The New England Boys Title On Home Turf?

Maine's Luke Laverdiere will aim to become the 7th boy from the Pine Tree state to win a New England title. It has been 19 years since Maine''s last champion Louie Luchini won the New England crown. Expect CT State Open champion Drew Thompson to give the most resistance. These two are the class of the field, and could challenge the 15:06 course record, and a potential sub 15 minute effort. The fastest XC 5k time ever for a Maine boy is 15:02 from the Ben True.

Team Contenders

Concord, NH is most likely the favorite to win the team title, and their trip to Belfast in late September may give them the advantage over the rest of the field. Winning won't be easy though as the defending champions Staples from Connecticut figures to be in the mix along with Connecticut State Open champion Xavier who won on a sixth runner tie-breaker. Bishop Hendricken cruised to the win at the Rhode Island State meet, and they are no strangers to winning the New England titles, as the Hawks have won twelve times. LaSalle Academy also of Rhode Island can't be counted out either.